Words have a magical power. They can raise up the spirits or dash them down. They can bring laughter as easily as tears. Spend words like a miser counting coins. Make each word count. ~ Old Irish Proverb Magical Books Some ancient people believed books were magical, powerful, and could bring fortune. That might be difficult to comprehend today. Sure, we like books, but we wouldn’t go to war over one. We can just make a copy (legally...

by G. Beaverson “Ann. 793 – In this year dire forewarnings came over the land of the Northumbrians, and miserably terrified the people; these were extraordinary whirlwinds and lightenings, and fiery dragons were seen flying in the air. A great famine soon followed these omens; and soon after that, in the same year, the havoc of heathen men miserably destroyed God’s church on Lindisfarne. . .” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle) The “miserable...

Founded in 1142, Mellifont Abbey in County Meath was the first Cistercian Abbey built in Ireland. The remnants of the octagonal lavabo (shown above) are one of the sites most notable features. While you’re planning your itinerary, you may also include the Boyne Valley, Newgrange, Monasterboice, and the town of...

If you ask people what is the oldest manufactured object in daily use in their area, they might not immediately think of the chalices in their local church. But this may well be so, and the story behind each chalice may be interesting in itself. This video from County Tipperary offers a little insight into the a bit of history many wouldn’t think...

Here’s a fascinating look at Devenish Island in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The segment comes from the British television series Countrywise. FYI – the video is only three minutes long… even if the play guide says it’s...

Mindie Burgoyne writes about the history and inspiration she draws from this County Wexford site. Mindie’s site, Thin Places, focuses on unique places… many in Ireland… where a gentle veil between world’s may exist. Tintern Abbey – the Other Tintern in Ireland...